Nuggets Strike Gold
Tagged in: NBL
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Former Harbour Heat standouts Brent Charleton and Nat Connell have signed with the Cartridge World Otago Nuggets for the 2008 Dominion Finance NBL.
Charleton (25), currently a member of the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers roster, co-captained the Heat to this year’s regular season title, contributing 12.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. Born in Canada, he set scoring records in his last year at Simon Fraser University and has played three seasons in the NBL – all for Harbour – averaging 14.4 points over 44 games.
American-born Connell (27) has played 119 NBL games, winning a title with the Waikato Titans in 2001. He has averaged 11.2 points over his career and had 10.3 off the bench for Harbour in 2007.
ìWeíll do anything and everything to make this season an improvement on Nuggets í07,” says general manager Warrick Diack. “Weíve re-signed Darryl Jones and Cowan Finch from last yearís roster, and Nat and Brent really add fire power and credibility.
ìWe competed well last season and missed a few games by close margins. This year is shaping up to be a very competitive season.
“With the addition of the local talent that has already entered into training camp, we believe we are well ahead of our competitors.î
Basketball Otago have been running a developmental training squad of twenty-five (25) local up-and-coming players which tipped off early last month.
ìThese young guys represent the future of basketball in Otago,” says Diack. “We know we have to work and nurture their progress so we can build for the future of the sport here.
ìWe have some outstanding athletes here in Otago and with the right plan, weíll be well placed for next season and many more to come.î
Off the court, sponsor recruitment is progressing well also. Cartridge World New Zealand have committed to the Nuggets again, taking the naming rights sponsorship package for 2008.
ìWeíre very pleased with where weíre at,” says Diack. “Securing Cartridge World is a big thing for us, and weíve managed to sign Mark Laughton Motors, Ryan Security, General Lee Sporting Apparel and The Terrace Bar already.
“By all accounts, the rest of the sponsorship family will be back to support the Nuggets again, itís really just a matter of finalising the details.
“At this early stage, our progress is very pleasing.î
